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Our resident Steinway representative Mr. Bob Snyder has graciously agreed to host a tour of the New York factory. The dates are not yet set but we are looking at November or December. We need at least 6 people and that shouldn't be a problem because I could probably provide 6 myself. Please post your your interest in attending the 2008 Steinway Factory Tour and state what date you would like. We will then settle on a date or even two if there is enough interest. Many thanks to Bob!!

As you are considering dates, please note that the weeks of November 17 and December 22 will not work. Pretty much any week day of any week other than the two mentioned above could work out. I'm sorry that we cannot offer any Saturday tours.

I look forward to putting this together - and I hope we can get a good group.

We now have the date, Thursday December 11. Please arrive at the factory by 9:00. Bob will be in from the West Coast so we can all meet the man that made this possible. I will be away next week but the week after I will be compiling a list of those that will attend. So far there is pleanty of room for those who want to see the Steinway factory in action.

The factory is at 19th Avenue and 38th Street, in Astoria. It's close to LaGuardia airport.Our actual address is One Steinway Place, Long Island City, NY. But if you get to the corner of 19th Ave and 38th Street, you're there.

After we took this tour, Kyle Kirkland was kind enough to call and ask for my reaction.

I told him it was wonderful to see the production (and the old factory, now used for restoration). But...We had a hard time hearing our host, and were a little disappointed at the restrictions on picture taking (only allowed in the hot box where they cure the rims).

He assured me the next time would be better.

So... I'm hoping that either means they've adopted wireless headphones (like Mason & Hamlin uses) or are planning to have someone with a really big voice do the tour.

I also hope it means there will be additional areas open to picture taking.

While I realize Steinway doesn't need much help with brand recognition (although younger generations may not be quite as cognizant as others). But, it would be appreciated by our 35,000+ registered members, and hundreds of thousands of guests if they could get a good picture of the operation.

Wish I could join you, but I've recently moved to Southern FL. My next trip will be to NAMM (in Jan.).

As for photos. With a background in industrial marketing and sales I can understand and I fully respect Steinwayâ€™s policy. I have been in facilities where people wonâ€™t even answer questions let alone let you bring a camera so I think we should be happy just to get inside. I am sure Steinway will make what allowances they feel comfortable with. Again, I think it best to fully respect Steinwaysâ€™ wishes.

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"The true character of a man can be determined by witnessing what he does when no one is watching".

~ Wear comfortable walking shoes (or sneakers).You will do a lot of walking and the floors are hard.

~ Although the factory is clean, there will be some sawdust (as expected in a working factory), and there is always the possibility of brushing up against some equipment so...

I would recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting dirty. It probably won't happen, but if it does you won't be upset with yourself:-)

~ Speaking of clothing, it should be obvious but I'll mention it anyway. Loose clothing and or jewelry is not a good idea around working machinery.Your hosts will of course do everything to keep you out of harms way, but people still tend to wander a bit.

~ And speaking of wandering, please don't :-)Stay with the group, your host will let you know when it's ok to go somewhere on your own.

And please do not try to pet/feed/ or talk to the working employees. They are doing the job they are paid to do, you shouldn't be interrupting them.

Originally posted by Stevester: As for photos. With a background in industrial marketing and sales I can understand and I fully respect Steinwayâ€™s policy. I have been in facilities where people wonâ€™t even answer questions let alone let you bring a camera so I think we should be happy just to get inside. I am sure Steinway will make what allowances they feel comfortable with. Again, I think it best to fully respect Steinwaysâ€™ wishes. [/b]

Steve is right about this one.

I keep teasing Steinway hoping they might open up a little more (as we've experienced with some other companies tours). However, it is their house and their right to set the policies.

I'm happy to see another Steinway tour being organized, I'd like to see it become at least a yearly event. Wish I could join you for this one.

Steve if youre late I'm sure you can still join the group. Frank- Sorry you can't make it. Me4dt and James youre both counted in. Rich-Theres a particular Steinway I'd like to show you while youre in NY but its not at the factory. As for everyone else, let me know if you guys can make it. CC2 is coming as well and my tuner/tech/friend Kong Lee.

Originally posted by LJC: Steve if youre late I'm sure you can still join the group. Frank- Sorry you can't make it. Me4dt and James youre both counted in. Rich-Theres a particular Steinway I'd like to show you while youre in NY but its not at the factory. As for everyone else, let me know if you guys can make it. CC2 is coming as well and my tuner/tech/friend Kong Lee. [/b]

Thanks LJC, funds are a little tight from my having just moved to FL or I'd be there :-)

Those on the possible list who want to be moved to the definate list please advise. Frank wanted a comment on parking, all I can say at this point is that parking is a problem and on the last tour I finally found a legal spot about 2 blocks away, so if youre driving leave extra time to find a spot. As for making this an annual event, that would be great!